Meet Israel in Dnepropetrovsk

They met up with famous Jewish historical figures of the past and present and had the opportunity to meet and learn about Israel, its history, people, and culture.

The campers met up with famous Jewish historical figures of the past
and present and had the opportunity to meet and learn about Israel,
its history, people, and culture.

Through intensive workshops, lectures, and other creative sessions,
the campers not only had the opportunity to explore their own
Jewish identity but also the role that Israel plays in their own lives.

In preparation of the special evening event called "Jews of the FSU Meet Israel," the campers prepared readings, artwork, and short skits, musical and dance performances connected to the campers' personal relationship to Israel.

Interviews with campers and counselors:

"My name is Tanya Rivkana. My first visit to Israel was 10 years ago in 2000 and since then I have always wanted to return. After my first visit, I realized that Israel is an integral part of me.
What attracted my attention in Israel were the traditions, customs and way of life, in general.
My relatives, who live in Israel saw my interest in Jewish life and traditions and told me about the Jewish Agency office in Dnepropetrovsk. This summer, I decided to go to the Jewish camp and I see that it was the right decision. Lectures on various topics related to the Jewish people, theme events and amazing counselors have made a huge contribution to my development and education.
The lecturers are very professional and come not only from Dnepropetrovsk and the Ukraine but also from Israel. We participate in various activities: sports, intellectual, creative activities. The only drawback of this camp is that sometimes it is very difficult to choose only one lecture from the many lectures that are offered on the camp program."

Tanya Rivkana

Tanya Rivkana

”This camp is great because we can choose from a many different lectures and whatever lecture I choose, it is somehow linked to Judaism and Jewish culture and are connected to a certain sphere of the Israeli society."

Dmitry Kobylyak

"My name is Dmitry Kobylyak. I am 23 years old and from Dnepropetrovsk. Being a Jew is probably to live in Israel and observe Jewish traditions. Generally, I'm a cosmopolitan. And for me, a Jew is not just a word in my passport, but actions.
Israel is a country which unites Jews. In Israel, the Jewish people have an opportunity for self-realization. For me personally, Israel is a distant and unfamiliar place. I believe that this camp is a place where I can study about it and to become closer to Israel. The birthright-Taglit program looks very interesting to me."

Dmitry Kobylyak

Dmitry Kobylyak

"This is my first Jewish camp. A friend of mine, who has participated in Jewish Agency activities, suggested that I come to this summer camp. I am really enjoying the lectures and evening events at this camp.”

Ilya Shinkarenko

"My name is Ilya Shinkarenko and I am 18 years old from Dnepropetrovsk.
This is my 8th or even 9th Jewish Agency camp. I heard about the Jewish Agency run camps a long time ago when I studied in a Jewish school. I visit our youth club regularly.
Being Jewish for me is a state of mind. It means that I know about our traditions and history. I can't say that I observe all traditions but I fast on Yom Kippur and I always try to learn something new. Israel for me is a historical homeland; sanctity and memory. For me personally, is the best place to relax. A lot of my relatives live in Israel. I love Israel.
I'm planning to participate in the Jewish Agency activities and events in the future and also want to visit Israel on a birthright -Taglit group."

Ilya Shinkarenko

"In the camp I really like the atmosphere and the fact that I am in the company of Jewish peers. I like that I can choose whatever lecture I want to go to.”

Sasha Chernaya

"Hi, I am Sasha Chernaya and I am a new counselor at this camp, having just completed the Lechet training program for counselors this year. This camp is undoubtedly an important and long-awaited event for all participants and for me personally. Why is it important? In fact, it provides one of the only opportunities for many of us to be in the company of young Jews.
I am very pleased that I could be a part of such a wonderful team of counselors. I feel that I am progressing in the field of informal education. It's great that I can be a part of everything that is happening here."

Sasha Chernaya